B X 

-=1 84*51 





# LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. I 

^ ^ 

i UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. { 



DEDICATION SERMON. 



THE NAME OF CHRISTIAN THE ONLY APPROPRIATE NAME FOR 
BELIEVERS IN CHRIST. 

A 

SERMON, 

PREACHED AT THE DEDICATION 

OF THE 

THIRD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 

IN CAMBRIDGE. 

DEC. 25, 1827. 
BY CHARLES LOWELL, 

MINISTER OF THE WEST CHURCH IN BOSTON". 



CAMBRIDGE : 
HILLIARD, METCALF, AND COMPANY, 
Printers to the University. 



1828. 



SERMON 



ACTS xi. 16. 

THE DISCIPLES WERE CALLED CHRISTIANS FIRST AT ANTIOCH, 

We have, in this verse, the only account that is 
given us of the origin of the name we bear as believers 
in the divine mission of Jesus Christ. Previous to 
this, the disciples of Christ were called by the Jews 
Nazareens, or Galileans, and by each other believers, 
disciples, brethren, or saints. They now assumed the 
name of their founder, or master, as the Platonists, 
Pythagoreans, and others, did of theirs. 

Having given this account of the origin of this ap- 
pellation, it may be supposed that I might well stop, — 
for what doctrine can be learned, or what practical 
instruction derived, from the simple fact that the dis- 
ciples were called christians first at Antioch ? — This 
simple fact is, in my view, fraught with instruction of 
no little moment. 

I take up a " Dictionary of Religions," and find I 
know not how many hundred names of sects into 



6 



which the christian world is divided. And when I 
behold these ensigns of party distinction, these badges 
of submission, as they too often are, to human author- 
ity, my perplexed and agitated mind goes back to re- 
pose itself at Antioch, where the " believers," the 
" brethren," they who " were of one heart and one 
mind," were content with the simple appellation which 
denoted their allegiance to their divine master. 

I propose, in the following discourse, to present a 
few, among many, reasons for an adherence to the 
example of the first disciples in the use of the name 
Christian, and that name only, as the designation of 
our religious faith. 

I. In the first place, because it is the only appro- 
priate name, as it is the only name which denotes at 
once the source from which our religion is derived. 

II. In the second place, because it is the name 
which was adopted by the believers, as we have seen, 
in the first, and, perhaps I need not hesitate to say, in 
the purest, age of the church. They who were best ac- 
quainted with the mind and will of Christ, when they 
assumed a name as distinctive of their sect, assumed 
this name, and this alone. 

III. In the third place, because it is the only name 
which can serve as a bond of union among the be- 
lievers in Christ. It is the only name which expresses 
our common faith. It is the only ground on which 
believers can stand, and act together in defence of 
their religion, and in promoting the great purposes for 
which it was given them. All acknowledge Christ as 
their Lord and Master, but though they have other 



7 



u lords " and masters, " many," there is no other to 
whom all unite in paying homage. 

IV. In the fourth place, because the assumption of 
another name, instead of promoting union, promotes 
disunion among the believers in Christ. 

Any other name is the name of a party in the bosom 
of the christian community, and party implies separa- 
tion, division, — must I not say, — some degree of aliena- 
tion ? Is not an exclusive spirit engendered, which 
causes the affections to move in a narrow circle, and 
shuts up the heart against all who are without that 
circle ? 

Every new name is a new barrier, — a new partition 
wall, — between the disciples of the same religion. 
When parties are formed, and names assumed, hostile 
bands are arrayed against each other, and the adhe- 
rents of each, coming often in contact and acting to- 
gether, are strengthened, and fortified, and embittered, 
in their opposition. The sanguine act upon the mode- 
rate, the over-zealous upon those whose zeal is better 
tempered, and a flame is kindled w T hich, instead of 
diffusing a kindly, genial heat, spreads around it de- 
struction and desolation. 

Importance is given to differences of opinion which 
are of little or no importance in themselves, and new 
differences arise which, without this opposition and 
combination, would have no existence. The very 
names themselves, claimed by one party, and denied 
to them by another, — as if things were not enough to 
contend about, — are the subjects of contention. 



3 



I may add, if I have not already sufficiently ex- 
pressed it, that this very separation prevents that in- 
terchange of thought and feeling which would lead to 
a juster estimate of each other's religious opinions and 
character, and to a nearer assimilation. Many are 
kept asunder who else would know, and honour, and 
love one another, and many, from the same cause, re- 
main in error, who might otherwise be brought to the 
knowledge of the truth. 

V. In the fifth place, because the adoption of any 
other name than christian, as the name of a party, ex- 
cites a spirit of proselytism, or at least brings it into 
action, and gives it force and efficacy. 

I object not to a spirit of proselytism, when its ob- 
ject is to bring the unenlightened to the knowledge of 
Christianity, or the vicious and unholy to virtue and 
holiness. But I do object to the spirit of proselytism 
when its paramount object is to make converts to the 
dogmas of a sect. — It is this spirit which, in times 
that are gone by, has prepared the tortures and kin- 
dled the fires of persecution. It is the same spirit 
which, in later times, has uttered invectives, and pro- 
pagated falsehoods, and pronounced anathemas. 

I object not to the spirit — object not did I say? — 
I admire the spirit which would bring every thing that 
bears the image of its God into the christian fold. 
I admire the spirit which goes forth upon the wings 
of love and mercy to the regions of ignorance, and 
debasement, and misery, wherever they are. I ad- 
mire the spirit which would pour the light of di- 
vine truth on the eyes that are spiritually blind, that 



9 



would warm, with the genial influences of our holy re- 
ligion, the hearts that are chilled and frozen by the 
terrors of superstition, that would open the prison 
doors and proclaim to the captive the liberty wherewith 
Christ hath made his disciples free, I admire the 
spirit that would rear in the wilderness a temple for 
the Most High, and cause the knees that had bowed 
to idols, to bend before the one living and true God. 

I reverence the man, let him bear what name 
he will, and go under what auspices he may, who, 
with a sincere and heartfelt devotion to the cause, 
encounters perils by sea and land, perils of the hea- 
then and in the wilderness ; — who is in weariness 
and painfullness, in watchings often, in hunger and 
thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness, that he 
may carry the bread of life to them that me perishing 
for lack of knowledge. . 

I do earnestly desire the spread of the gospel, and 
I would stretch forth my feeble arm to help it forward ; 
but when I do so, — I am embarrassed by calvinistic 
missions, and arminian missions, orthodox missions, and 
liberal missions. — I approve of all, and I approve of 
neither. — I commend the christian zeal that would 
cause the parched ground to become a pool, but I de- 
precate the sectarian zeal that would make its waters 
bitter. When ! — oh when ! — will the time arrive, that 
the heralds of the gospel will not only " go out with 
joy," but " be led forth withpeace ; " when the taunting 
reproof will no longer be addressed to them, " Settle 
among yourselves what your religion is, and then we 
will determine whether to embrace it — when they 
2 



10 



will be ambitious of no other name than the name of 

their Saviour ; and, like their great predecessor, will 
determine to know nothing among the heathen save 
Jesus Christ and him crucified ! 

VI. In the sixth place, because the adoption of any 
other name than christian, tends to shackle the mind, 
to prevent the free, unbiassed, exercise of its powers 
in the investigation of truth. 

When we join a party, we become in some sort 
pledged to the support and defence of the opinions of 
that party ; and we are in no little danger of imbibing 
opinions which might not have been the result of our 
own free and unfettered inquiry. The habit of con- 
sidering ourselves as belonging to a party, — the read- 
ing and intercourse to which it leads, — the very spirit 
of party itself, — all conspire to this end. Our reli- 
gious opinions, — if they can be called ours, — are thus 
apparently the effect of accidental circumstances, of the 
position in which we have unfortunately been placed, 
or have still more unfortunately placed ourselves, — for 
receiving them. If we are able to give a reason for our 
faith, it is not our own ; it is taken at second hand ; it 
is probably, with most, the result of a very limited, 
partial examination, an attention to one side, without 
remembering what the wise man has long ago so wise- 
ly said, that He that is first in his own cause seem- 
eth just, but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. 

VII. In the seventh place, because by the adoption of 
another name than christian, — by thus attaching our- 
selves to a particular party in the christian church, — 
if we do not imbibe, or do not in fact defend, all 



II 



the opinions of that party, we yet give the sanction of 
our name, and thus far, of our influence, to opinions 
which we do not approve. 

The opinions of a majority of the party, or of the 
most forward and active of the party, nay, — perhaps 
even of the most extravagant of the party, will be 
considered— do what we will — by the community, as 
the opinions of the whole. At least, all will be re- 
garded as viewing them without much disapprobation, 
if not with complacency. We may lift up our feeble 
voice against them,- — if indeed we have firmness and 
independence enough to do so, — but it will be heard 
only within a narrow circle. It will be overpowered 
by the louder and more earnest voice of party zeal. 

Every party must, sooner or later, have its creed, 
not in one particular only, but in all particulars. It will 
be given in the religious publications of the party, or 
at the dedication of a church, or the ordination of a 
minister, and, however different it may be, in many 
respects, from the faith of an individual who bears the 
same name, he must submit, as patiently as he may, 
to the imputation of holding it, or enter, in his own 
person, and without disguise, upon the thorny, endless 
path of controversy. 

VIII. In the eighth and last place, because the as- 
sumption of another name than christian, is pointedly 
reproved by an eminent apostle of Christ. " For it 
hath been declared unto me," he saith to the Corin- 
thians, " that there are contentions among you. Eve- 
" ry one of you saith, one I am of Paul, and I of Apoilos, 
" and I of Cephas, and I of Christ. Is Christ divided ? 



12 



" Was Paul crucified for you, or were ye baptized into 
" the name of Paul ? Who is Paul and who is Apollos, 
" but ministers by whom ye have believed ? Let no 
" man glory in men, whether Paul, or Apollos, or Ce- 
" phas. Ye are Christ's and Christ is God's." 

And who, I may ask, are those whose names have 
been adopted, in later times, as the badge of party, 
but teachers by whom their followers have believed ? 
Some of them have written works more voluminous, 
and certainly more involved and obscure, than the 
bible, to show what the bible hath taught. How much 
better is it, to go at once to Christ and learn of him. 

To all this it may be answered, first, that names 
are necessary to distinguish the opinions of one individ- 
ual from those of another. 

It will appear, I think, from what has been said, 
that this end is by no means answered ; that, on the 
contrary, they rather serve to confound and mislead. 
Even where there is an explicit assent to a certain 
formula, there is not always an agreement in all the 
particulars which compose it. It is this which has 
given rise to the practice of subscribing " for sub- 
stance," or, as our fathers did, for " substance and 
scope," or " substance, scope, and end." It was best 
known to themselves what they meant by this. It 
serves only to show into what a dilemma good men 
are brought by taking a party name. 

But I want no such distinction among christians 
as this is designed to give. If an individual chooses 
to promulgate his views, he may do so. If he does 



13 



not choose it, it is well. To his own master he stand- 
eth orfalleth. He is amenable for his religious faith, 
not to his christian brother, but to God. It is enough 
for me to know that he receives the scriptures as of 
divine authority, and endeavours to obey them. 

I do not pretend to indifference respecting the doc- 
trines of the gospel. There are doctrines which I 
value above all price, and they are doctrines, too, 
about which there is dissent and controversy among 
christians. They are doctrines which I feel myself 
bound to teach and enforce. — My christian brother 
differs from me on some of these points, and widely 
differs, but if his faith, though not so scriptural, has 
exerted a holier influence on him, than my faith has 
exerted on me, he is better acquainted with his bible, 
and nearer heaven than I am. 

It may be answered, further, that names must be 
used to designate parties, and that parties are neces- 
sary to a combined and effective effort in the dissem- 
ination of truth. 

But the very existence of parties denotes a differ- 
ence of opinion, and in this difference both parties 
cannot be right, — it is not improbable that both may 
be wrong, — and if combination is effective in the dis- 
semination of truth, it may be equally effective in the 
dissemination of error. It may be remembered, too, 
by those who may agree with the party with which 
they are connected, in a few points, but disagree in 
many more, that they give their aid in the propaga- 
tion of more of what they believe to be error, than 
what they believe to be truth. 



14 



Besides, after all, the truth that is propagated is not 
of half the value of the good spirit that is lost in the 
contest. It would require a great amount of good to 
counterbalance the evils of misconception, misrepre- 
sentation, change of affection, contention, of which 
party is the fruitful source. How has it disturbed the 
peace of neighbourhoods, and broken the ties of friend- 
ship ! — How has it poisoned the cup of domestic hap- 
piness ! thus, — in sad fulfilment of the Saviour's warn- 
ing, — setting father against son and son against father , 
so that a maris foes are those of his own household. 

I know that great practical importance is attached 
to the reception of certain doctrines which are the 
subjects of controversy.- — 1 have had intimate official 
intercourse, during a ministry of twenty-two years, — 
with opportunities for this intercourse inferior, per- 
haps, to none, — with persons of various religions 
opinions. I have seen them in prosperity and adver- 
sity, in health and sickness. I have stood by the bed 
of death, and caught the last breathings of the de- 
parting spirit, — and I do now say, that 1 have witness- 
ed the same gratitude and love, the same trust and 
devotion, the same patience and resignation, the same 
holy confidence and joy, among them all. 

It hath not pleased the merciful Creator, I do firm- 
ly believe, to suspend the happiness, temporal or 
eternal, of his creatures, on the mode of faith, but, 
through the mediation of Jesus Christ, on the testi- 
mony of an approving conscience, enlightened by the 
word and the spirit of God. 



15 



That certain doctrines are better adapted to pro- 
mote piety, and consequently peace of mind, than 
others, I have no doubt ; and that it is the duty of 
every man to be fully persuaded in his own mind 
that he has the truth, from a serious, deliberate, de- 
vout inquiry, is to me equally clear ; but it is not for 
any one to say that the peace which may be the re- 
sult of such inquiry, is not, to him who enjoys it, an 
earnest of heaven. 

It may be still further answered, that parties do 
exist, and will exist, in the christian world, do we what 
we may ; — that it is too late now, when so many lines 
of separation are drawn, and so many names adopted, 
to think of uniting believers in Christ by the single 
name of christian. 

It is never too late to remonstrate against evii 
opinions, or evil practices, however venerable by age, 
or however sanctioned by numbers; and, if parties do 
exist and will exist in the christian world, we need 
not join them. Offences will ceme, hut too unto him 
by whom the offence cometh. Contentions will arise, 
but we need not contend; for we are admonished 
that the servant of God must not strive, but be gentle 
to all men. 

Nor need any fear that, by discarding party, and 
party names, they must stand alone, — though it would 
be an honorable distinction, and they might be content 
to enjoy it. But they will have many of the intelli- 
gent, judicious, and excellent, on their side. Yet 
more, — they will have " the glorious company of the 
apostles and martyrs," and " the spirits of the just 



16 



made perfect " — " a great cloud of witnesses " — on 
their side, for there are no parties in heaven. Calvin 
may be there, and Arminius may be there, and a host 
of others, who have unfortunately given their poor 
names to a party on earth, but there will be no one's 
disciples there, as such, but the disciples of Jesus 
Christ. 

It may be answered yet again, that Christianity it- 
self was a sect when it was first promulgated. 

Christianity was then, as it now is, a distinct reli- 
gion, opposed indeed to heathenism, and, in some re- 
spects, to judaism ; but in a very different sense from 
that in which one party of believers in this religion is 
opposed to another. This, I think, must be so obvious, 
on the least reflection, that I need not enlarge upon it. 
The objection has no bearing upon my reasoning on 
this subject, and therefore does not impair its force. 

Once more, it may be said, in reply, that we of this 
communion are known as congregational, in contra- 
distinction to episcopalian, and other denominations 
of christians. 

It is true, — but this is a name which has respect only 
to forms, — to the outworks of the house of God, — and 
not to religious belief. We believe that the simple 
structure of the congregational church is more in 
conformity with that of the primitive church than any 
other. But if any still urge this as an objection, I 
am not at issue with them. — Retaining the substance, 
I care not for the name. It is the fundamental prin- 
ciple of Congregationalism that each church is compe- 
tent to the management of its own affairs ; that it 



17 



may adopt its own faith and government and worship ; 
and is amenable to no other than the great Head of 
the church. It ill becomes congregationalists, then, 
to contend for party. I might add, it but ill becomes 
those who are opposed to human creeds, to urge upon 
their christian brethren the adoption, as denoting their 
creed, of a human name. 

In the remarks I have made, it has not been my 
intention to express an opinion respecting the good or 
ill effects of controversy. Differences of opinion are 
unavoidable, and the calm, dispassionate discussion of 
such differences, on individual responsibility, may be 
useful. It may excite inquiry, and awaken zeal, and 
elicit truth. 

Still less has it been my intention to pass any other 
censure, than is implied by the expression of a differ- 
ence of opinion, on those of my christian brethren 
who have seen fit to enlist themselves under the ban- 
ners of a party. The right of judging and deciding, 
which I claim for myself, — and will maintain, — i con- 
cede to them, and respect the honest and fearless exer- 
cise of it. I belong not to their party, whatever it is ; 
but I honour their devotion to what they believe to be 
the cause of truth and righteousness, and if this cause 
should really be promoted amidst the strife of parties, 
— yes, — if God should cause even the " wrath of man 
" to praise Him," — / do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 

I have thus given a few reasons, my hearers, and I 
might give many more, for believing that we ought to 
be satisfied with the name which the disciples adopted 
3 



18 



at Antioch, — the name of our divine Master. — Let us 
oot be ambitious of exchanging this sacred name for 
any other. Let us not be ambitious of adding another 
to a name which in itself is enough to denote our reli- 
gious faith, and which is hallowed by its association 
with " the author of our faith," and its adoption in the 
first age of the church. Let us endeavour, by the 
grace of God, to do honour to a name which confers 
so much honour on us. Whilst we study the sacred 
scriptures, and derive light from every quarter from 
which we can derive it, let us not suffer ourselves to 
be bound in the shackles of party, nor be subject, in 
matters of faith, to human authority, — No,— not for an 
hour ! 

It has seemed to me to be not unsuitable, brethren, 
at the consecration of a christian church, to set forth 
a humble plea for the christian name ; nor unappro- 
priate to the day which you have happily chosen for 
this consecration. — It is the day which is devoted by 
a large portion of the christian world to the commem- 
oration of the nativity of the Prince of Peace. "Peace 
on earth and good will towards men " was the procla- 
mation of the angels at the Saviour's birth ! — To plead 
for the union of christians under the name of this Sa- 
viour is to sound a note in unison with the angelic song. 
I would that it were met by a full response from every 
heart in this assembly ! — I would that the peaceful 
strain were uttered by every tongue that is hymning, 
on this day, the Redeemer's praise ! — I would that it 
were mingled with every prayer that ascends from 
every christian altar! — -that it were breathed from 



19 



every soul that bows itself at the name of Jesus and 
confesses him to be Lord! 

In the spirit of peace the work, which we have 
come hither to consecrate by our prayers, was begun, 
carried on, and is ended. Those who differ, if I mis- 
take not, in some respects, in their faith, have united 
in erecting this temple for the worship of the God of 
their fathers, in the mode in which their fathers wor- 
shipped. The blessing of God,— the God of peace,— 
has attended them. No obstacle has intervened to 
obstruct their progress ; no root of bitterness has 
sprung up to trouble them ; no untoward event has oc- 
curred to damp their present joy, or cloud their future 
prospects. May the good they have already expe- 
rienced be the harbinger of good to come ! May they 
never come up to this house but in the spirit of mutual 
kindness and love ; and may no voice be ever heard 
within these walls but the voice of christian charity ! 

Peace be upon this house, like the dew on 
Hermon, like the dew which descended on the 
mountains of zlon, where the lord commanded 
the blessing, even life for evermore ! 



APPENDIX 



The Third Congregational Society in Cambridge was incor- 
porated June 16, 1827, and the corner stone of the meeting- 
house, erected by the Society, was laid the second day of 
August, 1827. Prayers were offered on the occasion by the 
Rev. Thomas B. Gannett, Pastor of the Second Congregational 
Society in Cambridge. The first sermon, preached before the 
Society, was by the Rev. Charles Lowell, D. D. July 22, 1827, 
from John xiii. 35. — " By this shall all men know that ye 
are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." The meet- 
inghouse was dedicated on Christmas day, December 25, 1827, 
with the following 

INTRODUCTORY PRAYER, 

By the Rev. Henry Ware, Jr. 

READING OF THE SCRIPTURES, 

By the Rev. Samuel Barrett. 

DEDICATORY PRAYER, 

By the Rev. Francis Parkman. 



22 



DEDICATORY HYMN, 

WRITTEN BY THE REV. HENRY WARE, JUN. 

0 Thou, who for thyself didst raise 

Creation's wondrous frame, 
To be a Temple to thy praise, 

An altar to thy name ; 

And yet art pleased to dwell below, 

And there thy name record 
Where'er assembling mortals go 

To own their common Lord ; 

Oh, write thy name in favour here ; 

And, while we bend in prayer, 
Lord, bid thy glorious cloud appear 

Thy presence to declare. 

As in thy gracious courts above, 

So in these courts below, 
Reveal to every soul thy love, 

And heavenly peace bestow. 

Here may thy holy will be learned, 

And here thy will be done ; 
Till all to truth and heaven be turned 

Through thy beloved Son ; 

Till all who kneel in worship here, 

Be faithfully prepared, 
In higher temples to appear, 

Crowned with thy great reward. 



SERMON, 

By the Rev. Charles Lowell, D. D. 



23 



ORIGINAL HYMN, 

WRITTEN BY WILLIAM PARMENTER, ESQ,. 

Almighty Father ! to thy name 
Thy children earthly temples frame ; 
An entrance, let each house be found, 
To mansions which thy throne surround. 

And may this gathered flock behold 
The Heavenly Shepherd guard its fold, 
His sheltering arm extended show ; 
His guardian, fostering care bestow. 

Lord ! bless the sacred altar, where 
We sound thy praise, or lift thee prayer, 
Let every heart with fervour move, 
As strong as faith, and pure as love. 

The breast, where pious virtue glows, 
Thine ever gracious blessing knows ; 
O guide each heart, instruct each mind 
Thy will to serve, and Heaven to find, 



CONCLUDING PRAYER, 

By the Rev. James Walker, 

BENEDICTION. 



24 



mtitttB of tfie ^octets, mr. 

JOSEPH N. HOWE, Jun. Treasurer. 
WILLIAM WHITNEY, Clerk. 

STANDING COMMITTEE. 



William Farm enter, 
Joseph N. Howe, Jr. 
Sewall White, 
Ephraim Buttrick, 
Jesse Hall, 
Isaac Train, 



Abraham P. Sherman, 
Atherton H. Stevens, 
Jonah Tenney, 
Thomas Hastings, 
Cornelius Clark, 
Ira Wadsworth. 



3< 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




0 021 897 926 9 




